1971 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 492 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
